Tipping at Publix?

So I know that you are not "supposed" to, but does anybody do it anyway? I always get such GREAT customer service, that I feel like I should... What are your thoughts on tipping on the bagger that takes your groceries to your car? Just curious as to what others do and what is customary in the area...

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I usually just take my own out, but back when they used to insist on taking them for me, I would always tip them. Now they don't even offer anymore, so having them take them never really crosses my mind!

I am like you and always took them myself. Now that the preschoolers want to walk and not ride in the cart and I'm pregnant, I am very thankful for the help! How much did you tip? 2 or 3 dollars? Hmm, I will just have to make sure to have some cash on me when I go grocery shopping...

Danielle said:

I usually just take my own out, but back when they used to insist on taking them for me, I would always tip them. Now they don't even offer anymore, so having them take them never really crosses my mind!

Unless they have changed their policy yes they can and will fire them for accepting tips. As for customer service I have never once had a bagger offer to take,my,groceries out,to the car and for that matter have en ven witnessed them not offer elderly and handicapped ppl. Which amazes me I had better service in south florida than at 3 different stores here. I even brought it to the store managers attention at the one I frequent here and nothing.was done.

never tipped.. but then again it seems like every time we go to winn dixie one of us ends up bagging our own groceries...and if we don't, then i end up with a gallon of milk and bananas in the same bag.. or bread with like 5 cans. or a nasty sticky container of meat and a box of something on top of it... etc... kids just don't know how to bag these days....

Really? That is terrible! I have really only seen good customer service at Publix (not so much at some of the other grocery stores). I've seen them help older customers unload their groceries on the belt - and there have been times they have assisted me w/o my asking. Maybe it's the time of day? I usually go in the mornings when there aren't a lot of other shoppers.

As far as tipping - I didn't know they could possibly lose their jobs over it! I certainly wouldn't want to get someone in trouble over a few bucks...

2girlsmom said:

Unless they have changed their policy yes they can and will fire them for accepting tips. As for customer service I have never once had a bagger offer to take,my,groceries out,to the car and for that matter have en ven witnessed them not offer elderly and handicapped ppl. Which amazes me I had better service in south florida than at 3 different stores here. I even brought it to the store managers attention at the one I frequent here and nothing.was done.

I, too, always get asked at Publix if I want help out....if I have a lot of groceries, I sometimes accept & their customer service is always friendly...never tip because I know it's against store policy.

bakeoff said:

I always have the baggers ask if I want help out -- at various Publix. So I am not sure what's going on with some of you.

Both of my brothers and myself worked for publix years ago and that was their policy back then and a few did get fired for accepting tips while we were there. It may have changed now. I usually go in the evening.
C*Bean said:

Really? That is terrible! I have really only seen good customer service at Publix (not so much at some of the other grocery stores). I've seen them help older customers unload their groceries on the belt - and there have been times they have assisted me w/o my asking. Maybe it's the time of day? I usually go in the mornings when there aren't a lot of other shoppers.

As far as tipping - I didn't know they could possibly lose their jobs over it! I certainly wouldn't want to get someone in trouble over a few bucks...

2girlsmom said:

Unless they have changed their policy yes they can and will fire them for accepting tips. As for customer service I have never once had a bagger offer to take,my,groceries out,to the car and for that matter have en ven witnessed them not offer elderly and handicapped ppl. Which amazes me I had better service in south florida than at 3 different stores here. I even brought it to the store managers attention at the one I frequent here and nothing.was done.

I use to work for Publix five years ago and we were never allowed to accepted tips. sometimes after we said we don't accept tips they would just put it in your pockets. Once time i got a tip for 20 dollars...

They typically ask me if I want help out and sometimes even when my hubby is standing there they will ask. I haven't had a bad customer service experience that i can really remember at the ones I go to. One time I did email about a situation I got an email from their main customer service email people and the manager at the store. It is nice to know that they do read their emails and take their complaints seriously. :) It is truly a pleasure shopping there. :)